New England Patriots: 4 position battles to watch in camp

With training camp only weeks away, there are a number of position battles worth keeping an eye on for the New England Patriots.

The New England Patriots start training camp in two weeks. Despite having elite level starters, some positions will need to improve the bottom half of their depth chart before the season begins. Creating competition brings out the best in players and helps separates the Pro Bowlers from the practice squad.

New England enters camp with a highly-talented, highly-capable roster. By the end of the summer, the team will have parted ways with a handful of players who would’ve made the team in previous seasons.

In order to get the most out of their roster spots, teams look for versatility in their backups. The value of the last wide receiver on the depth chart increases if he’s capable of returning kicks. Players who have more than one dimension to their game face better odds at making the team.

Even players who aren’t likely to earn a roster spot can benefit from competing in camp. Brandon King signed with the Patriots’ practice squad after being cut ahead of the 2015 season. Shortly after, New England promoted him to the active roster.

90 players go into training camp, only 53 earn a roster spot. These are four position battles to keep an eye on over the summer.